The Cincinnati Bengals have been led by Andy Dalton for nearly a decade, but haven’t managed to win a playoff game, despite several trips. It’s time to start fresh at the quarterback position. When a team needs a QB, has the top pick, and is staring at a guy who is doing things that few have ever done, they have to pull the trigger; they do that here with the first pick in this mock draft.
Joe Burrow started the year off the radar for most, but has become an absolute star by the end of it. He made few mistakes all season, and is one of the most accurate passers of all time. He’s also at or near the top of the list in most other passing categories. This should be an easy pick for the Bengals as they rebuild.
The only thing easier than choosing Burrow with the number one pick is selecting the best player in college football with the second pick. The Giants lost Olivier Vernon this past offseason when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, leaving New York without a true edge rusher. Rectifying that is crucial.
Chase Young is an impact player from the word “go.” He’s as dominant a pass rusher as an player entering the league in recent memory, and instantly would be the Giants’ best edge player. He had 16.5 sacks in 2019 and totaled 30.5 for his career. Taking him here is a no-brainer.
Anyone who has followed the Washington Redskins, or even the NFL in general, has heard about the situation with tackle Trent Williams. It is a mess and it seems unfathomable that he’ll ever play in Washington again. Last year’s top pick, Dwayne Haskins, needs to be allowed to develop, and nothing helps that like good protection.
The Georgia Bulldogs have had Andrew Thomas protecting Jake Fromm’s backside for the past two seasons, and had a season of starts at right tackle before that. He is a tremendous pass blocker, and the top offensive lineman in this class.